“Wait a minute, a moment ago I thought I had to be careful not to get hurt? Are you saying that
I’m the problem now?”
“I’m saying that people in love do crazy things. Like leave Hong Kong early despite a very important business matter which needed attention. I did the same thing, almost ruined my business.”
“Will is not in love with me,” I say, lowering my gaze. “I mean, maybe he might still have some feelings, but that’s normal when you see an ex.”
“Amelia.” Dad places his hand on my shoulder, but his expression is anything but soft. “Promise me you’ll do the right thing.”
“I will, Dad.”
I wasn’t sure exactly what he meant, as far as I was concerned, I had been doing the right thing. Will is here as Rocky’s son, we have called somewhat of a truce. I’ve done nothing to compromise my relationship with Austin.
Shit, Austin.
I toy with the idea of sending him a text, but no matter how I try to say the words in my head, it all comes out wrong. If I tell Austin Will is here, he will wonder why I mentioned only that. Perhaps, if it was done through conversation with an appropriate segue, it would be less impactful.
As we walk back to the house, Dad takes another call and excuses himself. I take the opportunity to call Austin only for it to ring out to voicemail. It would have been customary to try again, but that would appear desperate.
I have nothing to worry about.
Repeat, nothing to worry about.
Until I walk past the gate and back into the pool area to see Will laying on the lounge chair and Gigi sitting beside him. The two of them are laughing, and the more I watch on, the more I realize my feelings for Will haven’t disappeared.
They are climbing to the surface demanding attention.
And jealousy is an ugly disease, its intent to cause only harm and no good. The toxicity is running through my veins, dragging my insecurities along with it. I begin to question my actions, reverting back to months ago when I said yes to marrying my best friend.
Then I’m riddled with guilt; my thoughts alone are unfair to Austin.
But as I glance one more time at the man who once consumed me whole, there is no denying that my heart misses him.
The wound which I thought healed, leaving a scar behind—begins to tear at the corners.
No matter how hard I try to deny it, seeing him with someone else has exposed the truth.
I’m falling for him again.
Or maybe, I never stopped falling at all.
13
WILL
Seeing Lex Edwards again is the last thing I wanted this weekend.
After his blatant warning to leave Amelia alone back when we were in London, I avoided him at all costs even though Lau had placed an enormous amount of pressure on my shoulders regarding the stipulations of the takeover.
We don’t need additional capital, and I firmly believe we can grow the platform beyond Lau’s expectations. The difficulty is trying to convince Lau. A man who owns a decent chunk of Hong Kong and Singapore will not give up easily, and to my knowledge, he is yet to be challenged or proven wrong.
Amelia left the pool area with Lex by her side. I watched as they walked out and toward the beach, disappearing for quite some time.
The weather is still warm with the sun persistent with its rays, so I choose to stay in the water for a while. That is until Ava finds me and starts babbling on about something of no interest. I kindly excuse myself, choosing to relax in the cabana, but I need to check my email truthfully.
There are emails from my lawyers, our finance team, and many from my executives. Some suggest we throw more money at Lau, but when the man is of such wealth, I don’t think money is his biggest concern. The man is all ego. He wants to be known as God. His reputation is everything, and just like he said, he only works with the best.
Our conversations become heated via email, and I put my phone down for just a moment to gain some patience only to find Gigi standing beside me.